The crockpot may look like an intimidating piece of kitchen equipment, but try it once and you’ll understand why it’s a household staple, with more than 100 million sold. We compiled a list of our top 10 favorite foods to make in the crockpot … some may surprise you, but the ease and perfection of the results will quickly make you a crockpot convert.
1. Chili
Most crockpots have a chili setting so this is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. Throw in your ingredients, sit and watch the game for a while and let the crockpot work its magic. You can turn the crockpot to low once it’s finished cooking so your family can serve themselves throughout the night.
2. Meatballs
Meatballs cooked in a crockpot are tender and have incredible flavor. Place uncooked meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot, cover with your favorite marinara or barbecue sauce and let the crockpot get to work — Grandma’s meatballs have no chance against these!
3. Jambalaya
Jambalaya may seem like a cumbersome dish to make, but it’s a snap in the crockpot. Allow all the ingredients to simmer together for a couple hours and you’ll have an incredibly hearty one-pot meal. It’s even better the next day!
4. Chicken Soup
This ultimate comfort food cooks perfectly in the crockpot. Throw in your chicken, veggies and egg noodles, cover it all with chicken broth and use the “soup” setting. For even quicker prep, grab a cooked rotisserie chicken, pick the meat off the bones and throw it in … your guests will never know!
5. Short Ribs
If you are craving juicy, fall-off-the-bone short ribs, then the crockpot is the only way to go. Make sure to season and brown your short ribs on the “saute” setting right in the crockpot before adding in a liquid mixture like red wine and Worcestershire and re-setting it to cook on low. Our mouths are watering just writing this!
6. Chicken Wings or Drumsticks
Marinate your wings or drumsticks for at least 30 minutes before placing in the slow cooker. Hit the “poultry” setting, add a little bit of chicken broth (so they don’t stick to the bottom) and in about 25 minutes you’ll have perfectly tender chicken. Pro Tip: place wings or drumsticks under the broiler for 5-8 minutes before serving to give the skin a perfect crisp.
7. Beef & Broccoli
So much better than take-out, beef and broccoli in the crockpot renders the steak perfectly tender and the sauce-soaked broccoli perfectly done. Serve over white rice and this hearty meal will become one of your weeknight staples.
8. Macaroni & Cheese
For a more elevated Mac & Cheese dish (aka: no powdered cheese!) throw your cooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot with cheese, butter and evaporated milk. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. See ya Kraft!
9. Pot Roast
There is perhaps no easier way to cook a pot roast than in the crockpot. After seasoning and searing the meat on all sides, throw in your veggies and beef broth and cook on low. This allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down for an unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth dish. Don’t forget to save the juices for your gravy!
10. Mashed Potatoes
Dice up your potatoes, throw them raw right into the crockpot with a stick of cubed butter and salt and pepper. Cover with chicken stock and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Mash ‘em up with some (more!) butter, cream cheese and milk. You’re welcome.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
